In April of this year, Arizona became the 48th state to prohibit the use of mobile phones and other handheld mobile devices while driving. The bill was signed on April 22, 2019 by Republican Governor Doug Ducey, which will give effect to a statewide ban on using handheld devices while driving starting January 2021. While police officers are not yet allowed to issue tickets to violators, they can already issue warnings. Once the law takes effect on the first day of January 2021, first-time violators will be issued tickets that will require them to pay a civil penalty from $75 to $149. Violators will have to pay a civil penalty between $150 and $250 for a second ticket. 
Want to make sure you’re well-informed of this new law? Here are some things you should know about the statewide cellphone ban for Arizona drivers.
Are You Allowed To Talk While Driving In Arizona?
The law specifically states that any kind of cellphone use—talking, texting, sending emails, accessing social media accounts, etc.—will be prohibited unless their devices are in hands-free mode and are activated by voice.Here are the specifics:
- It is prohibited to hold the phone in any way, including holding it up on the shoulder or supporting it with any body part.
- Any text-based communication or activity, including emails, instant messaging, and texts is not allowed.
- Recording or watching videos is not allowed.
- It is also prohibited to take or view photos on a cellphone while driving.
The following information highlights exemptions:
- Swiping mobile device screens to accept or make calls is allowed.
- Talking on the phone is allowed when using an earpiece or any headphone device. Using a wrist-worn device is also allowed.
- Voice-based communications are allowed (i.e. speakerphones, typing text through mobile voice function, etc.)
- Using a built-in GPS device while driving is allowed.
- Using handheld mobile devices are allowed while the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle can either be parked or stopped at a traffic light.
- Using a handheld mobile device to call 911.
What About City Laws?
Even before the ban on cellphone use was approved, there were cities in Arizona that already prohibited the use of mobile phones while driving. Some of the cities that prohibited using handheld devices are El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Phoenix, Surprise, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and Tempe. These laws will remain in effect until the new state law replaces them in 2021.What Other States Prohibit Texting While Driving?
For more than a decade, there were a number of proposed laws that sought to ban the use of mobile phones while driving. There was already an anti-distracted driving law in place in Arizona, but it didn’t specify the use of mobile handheld devices. Texting while driving was prohibited only for newer drivers, particularly teenagers. Now that Arizona has taken this step towards banning all cellphone use, there are only two remaining states that still don’t have a statewide texting ban for all drivers—Missouri and Montana. Using a mobile phone while driving is a serious safety issue and now a civil traffic offense. Arizona has been added to the list of states that had already implemented a statewide ban. Although it is a civil traffic offense, this does not mean that a driver cannot be charged with a criminal offense when the mobile phone violation results in an accident or other serious misconduct. If you have been charged with an offense, Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law is there to assist you through your troubles.Arizona Lawmakers Approve Ban on Cellphone Use While Driving is available on call Robert A. Dodell at (480) 860-4321
Law Offices of Robert A. Dodell
10601 N Hayden Rd, #I-103
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 860-4321
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